Electrical connector

ABSTRACT

An electrical connector ( 1 ) for electrically connecting an electronic package with a circuit substrate. The connector includes a housing ( 11 ), a fastening device assembled with the housing, and a stiffener ( 12 ) surrounding the housing. The stiffener includes a back end ( 123 ), and a pair of spaced first walls ( 125 ) adjoining the back end. Each first wall has a latch ( 128 ) extending upwardly therefrom, and then bends inwardly. The back end has a pair of spaced spring fingers ( 129 ) extending substantially horizontally, and then bends slightly upwardly. The latches are fastened to the housing for locating the housing in a vertical direction. The spring fingers abut against the housing for locating the housing in a horizontal direction. The stiffener reinforces the housing, and protects the housing from deformnation or warpage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an electrical connector for electrically connecting an electronic package such as a central processing unit (CPU) with a circuit substrate such as a printed circuit board (PCB), and particularly to a land grid array connector having a stiffener for protecting the connector from deformation or warpage.

2. Description of Prior Art

An integrated circuit (IC) package having leads arranged in a land grid array (LGA) is known as an LGA package. LGA packages have relatively low height, which saves valuable space in electronic assemblies.

Connectors for removably mounting an LGA package on a PCB are known as LGA connectors. A conventional LGA connector for electrically connecting an LGA package with a PCB (not shown) comprises a housing, and a fastening device assembled with the housing. The housing has a plurality of passageways (not shown) defined therein. Each passageway has a conductive terminal (not shown) received therein. The fastening device comprises a metal load plate and a lever mounted on opposite sides of the housing respectively. For getting a well fastening performance, the fastening device is usually made of metal materials, which is prone to rust, hence decreasing the effect of the electrical connector. For overcoming this drawback, the fastening device can be made of stainless materials, the price of which is usually higher, hence producing a high cost for producing the electrical connector.

In view of the above, a new land grid array connector assembly that overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector such as a land grid array (LGA) connector assembly for electrically connecting an electronic package such as an LGA central processing unit (CPU) with a circuit substrate such as a printed circuit board (PCB), which can prevent the fastening device assembled in the electrical connector from rust.

To achieve the above-mentioned objects, an electrical connector in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is for electrically connecting an LGA CPU with a PCB. The connector comprises a housing with a plurality of conductive terminals received therein, a fastening device assembled with the housing. The fastening device comprises a stiffener assembled on a bottom end of the housing, a load plate engaging with a side of the stiffener and pivotally disposed about the housing and a lever mounted on the stiffener. At least of the load plate, the stiffener and the lever is plated on rust proofing layer on a surface thereof, the rust proofing layer comprises a zinc-plating layer and a passivating layer attached on the zinc-plating layer.

Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an assembled, isometric view of an electrical connector in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded, isometric view of the electrical connector of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a rust proofing layer of one of fastening device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made to the drawings to describe the present invention in detail.

Referring to FIG. 1, a land grid array (LGA) connector 10 in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention is for electrically connecting a land grid array (LGA) package (not shown) with a printed circuit board (PCB) (not shown). The connector 10 comprises an insulative housing 11 with a plurality of conductive terminals (not shown) received therein, a fastening device assembled with the housing 11, and a stiffener 12 surrounding the housing 11. The fastening device comprises a metal load plate 14 and a lever 15 mounted on opposite sides of the housing 11 respectively.

FIG. 3 shows the housing 11 of the connector 10. The housing 11 is generally rectangular, and comprises a main body 111. A plurality of receiving passageways (not shown) is defined in the main body 11, the receiving passageways receiving corresponding terminals therein. The housing 11 further comprises a head portion 112 extending from a first end (not labeled) of the main body 111, a rear portion 113 extending from a second end (not labeled) of the main body 111 opposite from the head portion, and a pair of opposite side walls 114 respectively interconnecting the head and rear portions 112, 113.

In the embodiment of the invention, the stiffener, the load plate and the lever are mode of metal materials except the stainless materials, and the surfaces of those materials are plated on the rustproof layers. In addition, the rustproof layers can be choosey plated on one of the stiffener, the load plate and the lever made of metal materials, or two of them.

Referring to FIG. 3, the rustproof layer comprises a zinc-plating layer and a passivating layer attached on the zinc-plating layer. The effect of zinc-plating layer is initially rustproof and enhances the degree of finish of the fastening device but it do not provide a higher rustproof capacity of the fastening device, for example in a salt mist circumstance the zinc-plating layer can not pass through the rustproof test, so the passivating layer is further plated on the zinc-plating layer for getting a higher rustproof effect. In the embodiment of the invention, the passivating layer can be made of cadmium plating or nickel plating or other plating made by some inert metal material.

The head portion 112 defines a pair of spaced first retaining slots 1121, and a second retaining slot 1122 between the first retaining slots 1121. A pair of first arcuate retaining surfaces 1123 is defined on the head portion 112 at the corresponding first retaining slots 1121. A second arcuate retaining surface 1124 is defined on the head portion 112 at the second retaining slot 1122. The rear portion 113 defines a top surface 1133 (see FIG. 4), and a pair of spaced locating slots 1132 in a bottom surface thereof. Each side wall 114 defines a guiding slot 1131 at the rear portion 113. Each guiding slot 1131 runs through an entire height of the corresponding side wall 114. One side wall 114 has a lock 1125 formed thereon, near the head portion 112.

FIG. 2 shows the stiffener 12 of the connector 10. The stiffener 12 is made of strong material, preferably metal. The stiffener 12 comprises a substantially rectangular supporting portion 124. The supporting portion 124 comprises a front end 122, a back end 123 opposite to the front end 122, and a pair of sides 130 respectively interconnecting the front and back ends 122, 123. The front and back ends 122, 123, and sides 130 cooperatively define a central opening 121 therebetween. Each side 130 has a first wall 125 extending therefrom, and the front and back ends 122, 123 each have a second wall 126 extending therefrom. The first walls 125 extend upwardly from the sides 130. The second walls 126 extend upwardly from the front and back ends 122, 123, and then bend inwardly and extend in opposite horizontal directions. The first and second walls 125, 126 cooperatively define a receiving space 127 therebetween.

The stiffener 12 further comprises a pair of latches 128 formed on the first walls 125 respectively near the back end 123, and a pair of spaced spring fingers 129 on the back end 123 adjacent the opening 121. Each latch 128 extends upwardly from the corresponding first wall 125, and then bends inwardly. Each spring finger 129 extends substantially horizontally, and then bends slightly upwardly.

The load plate 14 comprises a pair of first locating portions 144 respectively secured in the first retaining slots 1121 and optionally further freely or supportably extending into the corresponding openings (not labeled) at the corner of the second wall 126 and the front end 122 when the load plate 14 is in a horizontal locking position, and a second locating portion 145 between the first locating portions 144. The load plate 14 further comprises a pair of opposite lateral pressing arms 141, and a driving hook 142 at a free end thereof generally between distal ends of the pressing arms 141. The pressing arms 141 are bent slightly downwardly in a middle thereof. The driving hook 142 has a mating surface 143 defined thereon.

The lever 15 comprises a pair of acting portions 152 respectively received in the space 2 of the connector 10 (see FIG. 5) and supportably restrained by the corresponding second wall 126 and the ends of corresponding first wall 125, a driving portion 153 disposed between and offset from the acting portions 151, and a handle portion 151 bent perpendicularly from a distal end of one of the acting portions 152.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, assembly of the housing 11 with the stiffener 12 is as follows. Firstly, the guiding slots 1131 of the housing 11 are aligned with the corresponding latches 128 of the stiffener 12. Then, the housing 11 is inserted into the receiving space 127 of the stiffener 12 along the direction “Vv.” At this position, the spring fingers 129 are pressed by the housing 11. The latches 128 mate in the corresponding guiding slots 1131. Then, the housing 11 is slid toward the front end 122 of the stiffener 12 along the direction “Vh,” until the head portion 112 of the housing 11 engages with the second wall 126 of the front end 122 of the stiffener 12, and the space 2 is defined between the rear portion 113 of the housing 11 and the second wall 126 of the back end 123 of the stiffener 12. The second wall 126 locates the head portion 112 of the housing 11 both in a horizontal forward direction and in vertical directions. When the housing 11 is slid away from the back end 123 of the stiffener 12, the spring fingers 129 spring upwardly to engage in the corresponding locating slots 1132. Thus, the housing 11 is prevented from sliding back toward the back end 123 of the stiffener 12, and is located in a horizontal rearward direction. At this position, the latches 128 of the stiffener 12 are fittingly engaged on the top surface 1133 of the rear portion 113 of the housing 11. The rear portion 113 of the housing 11 is thereby located in vertical directions.

FIG. 6 shows the connector 10 fully assembled. The first locating portions 144 of the load plate 14 are movably engaged on the corresponding first retaining surfaces 1123, and the second locating portion 145 of the load plate 14 is movably engaged on the second retaining surface 1124. In use, the load plate 14 is rotated to be perpendicular to the housing 11 in a vertical open position. This enables the LGA package to be attached on the housing 11. In the open position, the handle portion 151 of the lever 15 is horizontal. Then, the load plate 14 is rotated to a substantially horizontal position, with the pressing arms 141 of the load plate 14 resting on the LGA package. The handle portion 151 of the lever 15 is rotated upwardly to be perpendicular to the housing 11. In this position, the driving portion 153 of the lever 15 is received in the driving hook 142, and engages with the mating surface 143 of the driving hook 142. The handle portion 151 of the lever 15 is rotated down toward the load plate 14 until it is locked by the lock 1125. In this position, the lever 15 is at a horizontal closed position, with the driving portion 153 pressing the driving hook 142 of the load plate 14 downwardly. Accordingly, the pressing arms 141 resiliently press the LGA package. Therefore, the LGA package is securely attached on the housing 11, and the conductive pads (not shown) of the LGA package are electrically connected with the terminals of the housing 11 securely.

At the closed position, the pressing arms 141 apply downward forces on middle portions (not labeled) of the housing 11. The first retaining surfaces 1123 of the housing 11 apply downward forces on the first locating portions 144 of the load plate 14, thereby locating the locating portions 144 thereat. The locating portions 144 apply upward counterforces on the retaining surfaces 1123.

The strong, metallic stiffener 12 surrounds the housing 11. The second wall 126 of the front end 122 of the stiffener 12 locates the head portion 112 of the housing 11 in a horizontal direction and in vertical directions. The spring fingers 129 of the stiffener 12 locate the housing 11 in an opposite horizontal direction. The latches 128 of the stiffener 12 locate the rear portion 113 of the housing 11 in vertical directions. Therefore, when the housing 11 is subjected to the above-described downward forces on the middle portion thereof and the upward forces on the head portion 112, the stiffener 12 reinforces the housing 11 and protects the housing 11 from deforming or warpage. Accordingly, reliable electrical connection between the terminals of the connector 10 and the conductive pads of the LGA package can be maintained.

The stiffener, the load plate and the lever of the fastening device are made of metal materials except the stainless materials, and the surfaces of them are plated on rustproof materials which prevent the stiffener, the load plate and the lever from rust and provides a securely fastening effect of the fastening device. Besides, the rustproof layer disposed can provide fastening device made of no-stainless metal materials a rustproof effect and decreases the cost thereof.

While the preferred embodiment in accordance with the present invention has been shown and described, equivalent modifications and changes known to persons skilled in the art according to the spirit of the present invention are considered within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. 

1. An electrical connector for electrically connecting an electronic package with a circuit substrate, the electrical connector comprising: an insulative housing with a plurality of conductive terminals received therein; a fastening device comprising a stiffener assembled on the housing, a load plate attached to a side of the stiffener and a lever mounted on the stiffener; wherein at least one of the stiffener, the load plate and the lever has a layer of anti-rusting thereon.
 2. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the layer comprises a zinc-plating layer coated on said surface.
 3. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the layer further comprises a passivating layer.
 4. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein he layer comprises a zinc-plating layer and a passivating layer coated on a surface thereon, and the passivating layer is coated on the zinc-plating layer.
 5. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stiffener, the load plate and the lever are all coated the anti-rusting layer.
 6. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 3, wherein the passivating layer is made from cadmium material.
 7. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 3, wherein the passivating layer is made from nickel material.
 8. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 4, the stiffener comprises at least one spring finger extending therefrom for locating the housing in a horizontal direction, and at least one latch extending therefrom for locating the housing in a vertical direction.
 9. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the at least one spring finger of the stiffener is located in the at least one locating slot of the housing, and the at least one latch of the stiffener mates in the at least one guiding slot and is engaged on a top surface of the housing.
 10. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 9, wherein the stiffener comprises a substantially rectangular supporting portion, the supporting portion comprises a front end, a back end, and a pair of sides respectively interconnecting the front and back ends, and the front and back ends and the sides cooperatively define a central opening therebetween.
 11. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 10, wherein each side has a first wall extending therefrom, and the front and back ends each have a second wall extending therefrom.
 12. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first walls extend substantially upwardly from the sides, and the second walls extend substantially upwardly from the respective front and back ends and then bend inwardly and extend in a substantially horizontal directions.
 13. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 12, wherein the at least one latch is provided on at least one of the first walls, near the back end.
 14. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 13, wherein the at least one latch extends substantially upwardly from said at least one of the first wall, and then bends inwardly.
 15. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one spring finger is defined on the back end of the supporting portion, adjacent the opening.
 16. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one spring finger extends substantially in a horizontal direction, and then bends slightly upwardly. 